"The Russians have taken over my computer. I can't get them to stop." Well, that is what I was told by someone this morning in all seriousness (not one of you reading this email).
The person did not click on the pop-up displaying the message about the Russians, BUT she did call the number on the pop-up. No, No, No, Never, Never, Never. When they began asking her for her contact information and telling her they could "fix" this problem for $200, she hung up.....thankfully.
So, what SHOULD you do if this happens to you?
1) Don't click.
2) Don't call.
3) Shut down your computer. If it won't let you shut it down, press on the Power key/button for 2-3 seconds and that should shut it down.
4) After a couple of minutes, restart your computer. If the pop-up appears again, shut the computer down again. This time, I'd let it stay shut down for a couple of hours before restarting.
5) If the issue persists and you know how to run a scan of your computer, do so. If not, then I'd recommend calling a tech or taking in your laptop to have it looked out.
Pop-ups are not usually a serious problem; they are a nuisance. Just remember to never, never, never click on them or call any number on them.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Be safe in 2018!
We've talked about it before....protecting our digital privacy. But, it seems there are always questions. So, let's review 5 ways to protect your digital privacy in 2018:
1) Keep all of your devices updated. Updates often contain "patches" to repair your phone or computer's security vulnerability.
2) Use two-factor authentication(TFA). Yes, this means an extra step to login in to accounts, but is well worth your time. Don't know how to? This article will give you some tips.
3) Freeze your credit. (remember our conversations after the Equifax debacle?)
4) Install a password manager. (Lyle Hayslett has used one for several years and highly recommends it!)
5) Make privacy a priority; don't just automatically give your computer or your phone "access" to your contacts or to other apps. Take a look at your settings on Facebook, on your browser, and at your privacy settings on your smartphone.
If you'd like more detail about the 5 items above, check out this great article from Consumer Reports.
1) Keep all of your devices updated. Updates often contain "patches" to repair your phone or computer's security vulnerability.
2) Use two-factor authentication(TFA). Yes, this means an extra step to login in to accounts, but is well worth your time. Don't know how to? This article will give you some tips.
3) Freeze your credit. (remember our conversations after the Equifax debacle?)
4) Install a password manager. (Lyle Hayslett has used one for several years and highly recommends it!)
5) Make privacy a priority; don't just automatically give your computer or your phone "access" to your contacts or to other apps. Take a look at your settings on Facebook, on your browser, and at your privacy settings on your smartphone.
If you'd like more detail about the 5 items above, check out this great article from Consumer Reports.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Brrrrrr! It’s cold!
Today is one of those days where you're probably just going to stay inside and try to stay warm. However, if you venture out with your laptop, tablet, or smartphone don't leave them in the cold for any extended period of time.
There are a couple of different issues with our devices when it comes to extremely cold temperatures.
1) After a laptop has been in the cold and is back in the warmth, condensation can form inside and possibly cause some damage. To minimize this, shut your laptop down before taking it outside and let it remain off for a period of time when bringing back into the warmth. (same is true in the summer when moving it from extreme heat into a cooler area).
2) Cold temperatures can also affect the performance of our smartphones and tablets and even shut them down altogether. (Most phones are designed to be used in temperatures between 32 and 95 degrees). If you notice your phone isn't responding or the battery is draining rapidly, it could mean this frigid air is getting the best of it. The best way to ensure cold weather doesn't permanently damage your phone is to shut it off. Smartphones will be fine when powered down if the temperatures remain above zero. Just remember that body heat is an excellent way to keep your phone warm; so if you have to be outside, tuck it in closely to your body!
Stay warm; spring is only 63 days away! :-)
There are a couple of different issues with our devices when it comes to extremely cold temperatures.
1) After a laptop has been in the cold and is back in the warmth, condensation can form inside and possibly cause some damage. To minimize this, shut your laptop down before taking it outside and let it remain off for a period of time when bringing back into the warmth. (same is true in the summer when moving it from extreme heat into a cooler area).
2) Cold temperatures can also affect the performance of our smartphones and tablets and even shut them down altogether. (Most phones are designed to be used in temperatures between 32 and 95 degrees). If you notice your phone isn't responding or the battery is draining rapidly, it could mean this frigid air is getting the best of it. The best way to ensure cold weather doesn't permanently damage your phone is to shut it off. Smartphones will be fine when powered down if the temperatures remain above zero. Just remember that body heat is an excellent way to keep your phone warm; so if you have to be outside, tuck it in closely to your body!
Stay warm; spring is only 63 days away! :-)
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Time to do some cleaning!
Happy New Year! Time to do some cleaning!
As you begin a new year, you may want to consider:
As you begin a new year, you may want to consider:
- deleting old emails
- unsubscribing from companies you no longer want/need to hear from
- clearing out your viewing history on the browser (Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Firefox) you use
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Zoom in / Zoom Out
Good morning! If you find the text to be too small on a webpage to easily read, you may want to remember and use these keyboard shortcuts:
To zoom in (enlarge the text on a webpage) -
Windows computer: CTRL and +
Mac: Command and +
To zoom out (decrease the size of the text on a webpage) -
Windows computer: CTRL and -
Mac: Command and -
To return to the default size of the text on a webpage -
Windows computer: CTRL and 0
Mac: Command and 0
To zoom in (enlarge the text on a webpage) -
Windows computer: CTRL and +
Mac: Command and +
To zoom out (decrease the size of the text on a webpage) -
Windows computer: CTRL and -
Mac: Command and -
To return to the default size of the text on a webpage -
Windows computer: CTRL and 0
Mac: Command and 0